Chill Out in Sayulita

This laid-back Riviera Nayarit surfer town makes for a relaxing Mexico getaway

Street vendors in Sayulita sell delicious fish tacos – for only about $1!

Surfers have long known the Riviera Nayarit secret of Sayulita, a laid-back Mexico town with prime waves and pristine beaches. Now, the little town is gaining popularity as a trendy destination for surfing, shopping, and relaxing.

Sayulita’s distinct counterculture vibe keeps it feeling local and authentic, even while new tourism offerings pop up to entertain visitors. Revolucion del Sueno, one of Mexico’s hippest shops, is great for pop art wares such as unique t-shirts with modern designs.

There’s no shortage of cool cafes in town, many of which sit right on the beach. Don Pedro’s is a local favorite on the shore, serving Mediterranean cuisine with Mexican and Californian influences. Many restaurants also serve North American staples such as pizza and burgers if you want them – but stick with regional specialties such as aguachile or Zarandeado-style grilled snapper for the best taste of the town.

Sayulita’s arts and crafts culture is another draw of the destination, particularly those of the Huichol Indians. These native people have existed in Mexico for 15,000 years, and today sell their brightly-colored wares throughout Sayulita, particularly intricate beadwork. For more Huichol art and culture, be sure to stop in at Galeria Tanana.

Relaxation is the order of the day in town, and many spas are happy to fill it. Haramara Retreat is one of the best, with therapeutic treatments and workshops on yoga and meditation.

Those who want to stay in Sayulita will find that accommodations come mostly in the style of boutique properties. A few noteworthy properties include Bungalows de Los Arbolitos, offering one- and two-bedroom suites with rustic décor and traditional Mexican furnishings, and Petit Hotel d’Hafa, where only six charming rooms provide close access to both the beach and town. For something more romantic, Villa Amor is great for a couples’ getaway – the property features 33 villas, many of which include their own plunge pools.